Shash Dine' EcoRetreat — Hotel in Four Corners States

My friends and I stayed here on July 20th, 2019. We stayed in the bell tent, which had two spacious queen beds. There are plenty of additional sleeping bags (which I slept in and felt were very comfortable), free toiletries and snacks/water. Although small, it was to be expected! We found it rather quaint and pleasant. The bathroom and shower are located outside; there is no running water. But don’t worry about warm water. The water is warmed by the sun! The bathroom was clean for an outhouse. The landscape is breathtaking, there are fields of plants as far as the eye can see. It is absolutely gorgeous at night. Truly a five million star experience.

In the morning, we received coffee/tea and a variety of breakfast items that included granola bars, fruits, muffins, and yogurts. We checked out the next morning very satisfied and full of unforgettable memories.

While eating in the area, my friend that had booked the tent received a text from the owner saying we had damaged the tent and a fee was to be charged. We were all very surprised as we had felt we had been respectful and left the tent in good condition. In confusion and intentions to resolve the issue, we drove back to Shash.

We looked at the damage on the tent, it was a ripped seam on one of the windows. We did not understand how we could have inflict-ed that much damage to an area we had barely touched. The owners said that maybe we had perched our bags in that direction but our bags were light and perched against the beds (not the tent). We had not approached that area except to unzip the window. I find the clean, horizontal rip of the screen seam a bit unrealistic on our part considering we would have to merit a great amount of strength (and sharp tool) to inflict this kind of damage. We felt it could have been the weather (since it was very windy that night) or wear & tear of previous renters.

The owner’s husband told us that we had to pay the security deposit there, despite us telling him we would like to handle this through Expedia (since we had booked through there). He refused, told us to pay on the spot, and threatened to call the police if we left the premises. He even went to the extent of taking a picture of our license plate. We had been rather respectful, hesitant on paying on the spot because we were not comfortable, but the way the owner’s husband handled this situation was not at all professional. We had never refused to pay the security deposit, but he accused us of running off his property without paying the deposit. He had told us Expedia did not agree to the security deposit yet, so if we had not returned, how would they have received the payment?

Overall, we felt the owner’s husband’s actions were manipulative (he was trying very hard to make my friend that had booked feel bad to pay the fee), condescending (numerous times he referred to us as “chicks”), and aggressive (my friend had mentioned twice she was VERY uncomfortable and did not want to pay on the spot. She wanted to contact Expedia for documentation reason). The owner’s husband was unprofessional, belligerent, and for someone that has been in the hotel industry (as he stated) did not seem to understand basic human decency and courtesy. Because I studied hospitality management and was in the food & beverage/hotel industry, I can understand both sides and this situation should have been handled better.

We paid the security deposit on the spot because we felt the situation had become hostile and we wanted to leave the situation. We immediately regretted driving back because the situation left such a horrible and bitter taste on our...

We booked with Airbnb. We were so exciting for this trip, we stayed in the tent. Really neat, clean, quiet and comfortable. They provided all the toiletries that were needed. The bathroom was very clean and they provided sanitizing wipes. Shower was good as well.

The most glaring downside that we were not happy with was during check in. We followed the company signs until there were no signs. We drove to the guest area and planned on contacting the owners to get further guidance on how to check in. Unfortunately we didnt have reception and I was discussing with my husband the best way to try and contact them. A minute later a white car came and waved at us, so we assumed that the driver was the owner. When we get out of the car I began to apologize and let her know that we werent clear on the check in process and were attempting to get signal to ask. She seemed unhappy, annoyed that we were there, didnt even greet us and immediately began to sarcastically tell us that we should check in at the house. I responded with, we werent sure where the house was. There is a home on the property and we know that was the correct location now but at the time we didnt just want to knock on some random door and risk it being the incorrect location. She responded with a sour attitude by letting us know that she sent us detailed information on where to go. We did read the directions she referred to but were still confused. She stated again, that the directions were clear and that we should have turned left at a random intersection that, by her own admittance, did not have a sign. Side note, when we were coming back one evening, other guests had done the same thing. Maybe a small sign is in order. If multiple guests are confused, blaming the guests and making them feel unwelcome immediately is not the solution.

She then told us again that we should have checked in at the house. I said, again, that i didnt know where the house was and I am sorry.

My husband and I were a bit upset at this point but tried to not let it bother us. After this back and forth she handed us a sheet of paper that had all the rules regarding what we werent allowed to do. All while standing under a large sign that told us the rules about what we werent allowed to do. She was saying that today (Wednesday) she tries to not have any guests as it is kind of a day off. My husband and I looked at each other in disbelief. Im not sure why she would say that while we were standing there on a Wednesday trying to check in. It simply was not welcoming. We felt like a burden even though we were paying to stay there.

Breakfast is very minimal only coffee, tea, bananas, oranges, poptarts, yogurt and orange juice. All of this for over $500.

I would suggest that the owners try to have some more signage regarding check in or be a bit more understanding regarding the confusion that comes from the lack of signage. Perhaps some Navajo breakfast or cold wrapped sandwiches would work.

Response to owner comment: We were not speeding and we did not cross the ranch or any fields. We stayed on a designated road with the intent of contacting the owner for assistance.

The last point I'd like to make is if you read the owner response on this and other less than stellar reviews they never seem to accept any responsibility for thier actions. It is very apparent in this one as they do not deny the initial interaction we had with them, they only agree that it was awkward. No apologies, or anything other than finger pointing and creating reasons that we were at fault.

Future...

The welcome email promised a Navajo-owned, off-grid B&B “on a mesa overlooking Lake Powell and the Colorado River.” What we got was a geological depression on the wrong side of Highway 89. The magic of the canyon is literally walled off by tarmac. Every so often a semi could rattle past you, flattening what little ambiance had survived the heat.

Instead of mesa breezes and big-sky views, we got a hot dip — a natural crockpot of shrubs, stale air, and unfulfilled dreams. It felt as if the entire region shimmered with beauty, and the hosts had gone out of their way to pitch their tents in the one corner where none of it reached.

We had hoped for a night under the stars, gazing at the Milky Way, the perfect prelude to our visit to Antelope Canyon. We drove for hours north, eager to reach the place we had imagined from the website. Then, finally, we turned left — and fantasy dissolved into a dirt track leading to two simple caravans, scattered bicycle parts, and the accidental chaos of the site. The host appeared, clipboard in hand, no greeting, and told us to follow her down to the tent area. In a dip below the highway, she led us to a shaded “rec area,” sat on a bench, and began: “First I’ll go over the rules.” My bladder forced a retreat to the porta-potty at the edge of the dip — from which I took in the full vista: my companion standing dutifully, three forlorn tents crouched in the heat, and the freeway slicing above, framing the least inspiring piece of land we’d seen all day. Hundreds of miles of desert grandeur wasted on a sunbaked afterthought.

We peeked at the tent: a futon on the floor, air as still as a tomb, and no hint of the promised magic. Enough. Bags stayed in the car. We dashed straight to Page, checked into a hotel, and were deliriously happy.

The reality was nothing like the website or the welcome email — a clear bait-and-switch. Yes, Shash Dine’ is authentic — but the wrong kind: porta-potties, clipboards, and disappointment, tucked into a hot depression under the highway. In a region humming with magic, they’ve somehow picked the one spot where it runs out.

In response to the owners' review:

I’m sorry to see the owner respond this way, attacking us personally instead of addressing the clear issue we raised. We were not upset about porta-potties, communal showers, or the rustic conditions — we fully expected those. What was disappointing was the gap between what was advertised (“a mesa overlooking Lake Powell and the Colorado River”) and the reality: tents in a depression beside Highway 89, with none of the views or setting described in the welcome email and on the website.

It’s not “false” or “nasty” to point out that this was misleading. We had looked forward to stargazing the Milky Way before visiting Antelope Canyon, but the location simply didn’t match what we were sold. That’s why we left and checked into a hotel instead of staying.

I respect that this is an independent, family-run business, but I think misrepresenting the experience is unfair to guests. That’s the only reason I left my review — so future travelers can make an...